Corporate & Portfolio news

3i-backed Trescal acquires Stork Intermes

Trescal, the international specialist for calibration services, continues its geographic expansion with the acquisition of Benelux leader Stork Intermes, from Stork Materials Technology (SMT), a material testing group headquartered in the Netherlands.

Founded in 1972, Stork Intermes specialises in temperature, pressure, electrical, humidity, mechanical and geometrical calibration. The company is based in Antwerp (Belgium) and Hengelo (The Netherlands) and is also active in France and Switzerland. With a turnover of € 13 million and 120 staff, the company’s success is based on its high service levels and its technical skills. Stork Intermes’ leading position in the Benelux enables it to work with over 3,000 customers cross the aeronautical, pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries.

This is Trescal’s third acquisition (following DTI in the US and Antech Engineering in the UK) since 3i and TCR Capital invested in the company in September 2010, allowing Trescal’s pro-forma turnover to increase by c30% in 2011.

Olivier Delrieu, President and CEO of Trescal, said, “We are very pleased SMT decided to trust Trescal for this acquisition; we are confident Stork Intermes’ management team will help the group thrive and expand even more given their impressive track record.”

Charles Noall, CEO of Stork Materials Technology, said, ‘We feel that this transaction will bring an excellent future for the staff and customers of Stork Intermes and, subject to the advice of the Stork FDO Works Council, we expect the process to complete in August.”

Remi Carnimolla, Partner 3i, commented, “We are enthusiastic about the potential of the new combined group. This is another illustration of how 3i can create value by actively implementing a buy-and-build strategy in order to build a group with a strong international reach.”

David Robin partner at TCR added, “We are very satisfied with this acquisition, which confirms Trescal’s market leadership in a more definitive manner. As shareholders, we have been happy to support the management and their vision of creating a “global leader.” We plan to maintain our acquisition strategy going forward as opportunities become available.”

About TCR www.tcrcapital.com
TCR Capital is an independent private equity partnership managing some €M 350 in capital, and investing in market leading businesses with high-growth potential. The Funds managed by TCR have a clearly defined objective of investing in middle market buyout opportunities in France (companies with sales €M 20 - €M 200) where TCR can add value post-investment—particularly where there are build-up opportunities—and in corporate spin out situations.

About 3iwww.3i.com
3i is an international investor focused on Private Equity, Infrastructure andDebt Management, investing in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Our competitive advantage derives from our international network and the strength and breadth of our business relationships. These underpin the value that we deliver to our portfolio, our shareholders, and our fund investors.

About Stork Materials Technologyhttp://www.storksmt.com
SMT is an established network of 26 independent material testing laboratories located across Europe and the United States. SMT teams support clients around the world—and from all industries—with precise materials testing and inspection to meet regulatory, quality, and industry specifications. SMT laboratories lead the industry in innovative, customized testing programs for all types of projects and processes—from early R&D stages to continuing quality maintenance in the market and beyond.